“Old school models of leadership are not enough anymore. Telling people what to do doesn’t lead to creativity. Instead, leadership is about generating and embracing bold ideas—and that all starts with asking questions.”

Today’s savvy thought comes from Peter Drucker and from one of the objectives of the Founder of the Global Peter Drucker Forum, Richard Straub. As I prepare for the upcoming Forum in Vienna in just a few weeks, I am also pondering the theme of the Forum: Growth and Inclusive Prosperity.

This weekend, Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving. In the spirit of gratitude, I am sharing with you a quote that calls us to live appreciation and not just “say thanks”. In business, as in life, gratitude and appreciation is characteristic of great leaders, mentors, teachers and friends. Happy Thanksgiving!

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”
John F. Kennedy

Integrity stems from the Latin word ‘integer’ meaning whole and complete. Integrity implies an inner sense of ‘wholeness’ and consistency of character. When you are in integrity, people see it through your actions, words, decisions, methods, and outcomes. You are coherent and consistent and that makes you, you.

It also means that people can trust you. They know what they are dealing with. You don’t leave parts of yourself behind; you don’t have a ‘work you,’ a ‘family you,’ and a ‘social you.’ What you say, do and mean is consistent. This builds confidence and trust and therefore it is often quoted that “integrity” is the most important leadership quality.

Why do we need great writers? Because they are integral in building our brand and our following. Because they help articulate our values and our beliefs. Because they help paint the vision that our followers, our tribe or our organization are working towards. They help us lead by example through articulation of our actions. Writing is a reflection of our thinking and of ourselves – whether as people, as organizations or as society.